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Visiting Iceland in winter allows you to experience quite a few of life’s simple pleasures; a stroll through Reykjavik’s 101 district in the brisk, refreshing air, enjoying the late morning sunshine and taking in all that this tiny capital has to offer. One could start by savouring a leisurely breakfast at Café Paris in Austurstræti, (Austurstræti 14) and then head over to the Kraum design store, at Aðalstræti 10. Kraum has gained quite a reputation in recent years for its select array of Icelandic designer products. Laugavegur is Reykjavik’s main shopping street, and The Little Christmas Shop or Jólabúðin at Laugavegur 8, is bound to put a smile on your face. Open year-round, with a remarkable variety of beautiful Christmas decorations from across the globe, the Yuletide spirit truly permeates the air. On the corner of Laugavegur and Frakkastígur, visitors to The Treasure Chest or Gullkistan, (Frakkastígur 10), are warmly welcomed by its owner, Dóra, one of Iceland’s finest goldsmiths, who specialises in fine gold and silver filigree jewellery. If Iceland’s winter weather proves a bit too chilly, make sure you check out the Hand-knitting Association or Handprjónasambandið (Skólavörðustígur 19) for woollen goods created by some of the most talented knitters from around Iceland. After hitting the town, it’s time to relax in one of Reykjavik’s many indoor or outdoor heated swimming pools and hot tubs. The oldest is ‘Sundhöll’, located at Barónstígur 45, just outside the city centre. To complete a perfect day, dine late at Þrír Frakkar Restaurant, (Baldursgata 14), for all that weird, wonderful, yet delicious Icelandic food that you have heard so much about. —Andrew Scott Fortune